Abstract: A simple, inexpensive prosthetic foot is provided incorporating a cushioned ankle including an ankle block formed of a resilient material or bladder having desired compliance and energy return characteristics. The ankle block is sandwiched between a foot element and an ankle element. One or more openings extends through the ankle block with a substantially transverse orientation relative to a forward walking motion. The size and shape of these openings, as well as the insertion of different types of stiffeners therein, provide desired performance characteristics to the ankle block. When the ankle block takes the form of one or more inflatable bladders, the pressure within these bladders is individually controlled by valves to provide desired performance characteristics to different portions of the prosthetic foot. A pump system can also be used to control and generate fluid pressure into these bladders.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention relate to increasing the functionality of a transfemoral prosthetic device. In one embodiment, the transfemoral prosthetic device is configured such that the prosthetic knee maintains a load consistent with a healthy knee walking on level ground, while the prosthetic ankle adjusts for the incline or decline. In certain embodiments, adjustments, such as a toe lift function, are automatically performed after about three strides of the transfemoral prosthetic device user and/or when each of the strides has a stride speed of at least about 0.55 meters/second.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot (70) incorporates a foot keel (77) and a calf shank (72) connected to the foot keel to form an ankle joint area of the prosthetic foot. The foot keel has forefoot and hindfoot portions and an upwardly arched midfoot portion extending between the forefoot and midfoot portions. The calf shank includes a downward convexly curved lower end which is adjustably attached at a portion thereof to the foot keel by way of a releasable fastener arrangement. The upper end of the calf shank is movable longitudinally of the foot keel in response to force loading and unloading the calf shank during use of the prosthetic foot. A device (71) connected between the ends of the calf shank limits the extent of the motion of the upper end of the calf shank relative to the lower end and foot keel.

Abstract: A below-knee orthosis comprises a footplate, which is carried by a connecting element projecting therefrom, the upper end part of which has a releasable coupling that can be coupled to an upper part of a patient's lower leg, a longitudinal section of the connecting element being formed of a spring element, which extends in a curved path at a radial distance from a fulcrum of the spring element, and said fulcrum being placed to be essentially aligned with the patient's ankle-joint axis.

Abstract: A system for a lower extremity prosthesis comprising a foot, an ankle and a shank, has a posterior calf device (169) on the prosthesis to store energy during force loading of the prosthesis and return the stored energy during force unloading to increase the kinetic power generated for propulsive force by the prosthesis in gait. The device in several embodiments includes at least one elongated member (171) such as a flexible strap extending between an upper portion of the shank and a lower portion of the prosthesis, and at least one coiled spring (170) which has a free end connected to the elongated member. The coiled spring is expanded by the elongated member in response to anterior movement of the upper end of the shank for storing energy.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot (70) incorporates a foot keel (71) and a calf shank (72) connected to the foot keel to form an ankle joint area of the prosthetic fool. The foot keel has forefoot and hindfoot portions and an upwardly arched midfoot portion extending between the forefoot and midfoot portions. The calf shank includes a downward convexly curved lower end which is adjustably attached at a portion thereof to the foot keel by way of a releasable fastener arrangement which includes a coupling element (73) intermediate the calf shank and foot keel. The coupling element includes a resilient material forming a joint permitting subtalar joint-like motion of the prosthetic foot in gait.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot device includes an elongated upper forefoot portion, an ankle portion, and a lower footplate. The forefoot portion can extend rearwardly through an upper attachment section, downwardly through an ankle section, forwardly through an arch section, and to a toe section. The ankle portion can attach to the forefoot portion, and can extend rearwardly through an upper attachment section, downwardly through an ankle section, forwardly under the ankle section of the forefoot portion, and rearwardly to a heel section, in a substantial s-shaped profile. The lower footplate is disposed under the ankle and forefoot portions, and can extend through a heel section, an arch section, and to a toe section. The upper forefoot portion, the ankle portion, and the lower footplate are flexible to store energy and resilient to return energy.

Abstract: A transtibial patellar tendon bearing (PTB) prosthesis for below the knee amputees is disclosed. The prosthesis includes a socket, and a foot prosthesis attached to a modular shank component using a foot rotator device. Using the rotator device, the foot component of the prosthesis may be smoothly and axially rotated internally or externally ±150° with respect to the shank component about the axis of the shank component. The wide range of axial rotation enables a more even load distribution on the whole lower limb of an amputee and enables an amputee to comfortably assume a wide range of biomechanical positions, such as sitting or kneeling. A recoil spring, having a selectable tension, is positioned within the rotatable component and selectively limits and retains the relative rotation of the upper portion and the lower portions. A locking mechanism selectively prevents rotation when the foot component is engaged.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot (147) has a longitudinally extending foot keel (149) and a resilient, monolithically formed calf shank (148) extending upwardly from the foot keel to form an ankle joint area of the prosthetic foot and a lower, prosthetic part of a leg above the ankle joint area for connection with a lower extremity prosthetic socket on a person's leg stump. At least the lower portion of the calf shank extending upwardly from the foot keel is anterior facing convexly curved. The shank and at least a portion of the foot keel are monolithically formed.

Abstract: The invention provides a prosthetic foot device including an elongated upper forefoot portion extending through an upper attachment section, forwardly through an arch section, and to a toe section positioned at a toe location of a natural foot. The foot device also includes an elongated lower forefoot portion extending through an upper attachment section attached to the attachment section of the upper forefoot portion, and forwardly under the arch section of the upper forefoot portion to a terminal end positioned under the ball location of a natural foot and rearward of the toe section of the upper forefoot portion.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot (70) incorporates a foot keel (71) and a calf shank (72) connected to the foot keel to form an ankle joint area of the prosthetic foot. The foot keel has forefoot and hindfoot portions and an upwardly arched midfoot portion extending between the forefoot and midfoot portions. The calf shank includes a downward convexly curved lower end in the form of a spiral which is adjustably attached at a portion thereof to the foot keel by way of a coupling element. The calf shank extends upward anteriorly from the spiral to an upstanding upper end thereof. The coupling element includes a stop of a predetermined size to limit dorsiflexion of the calf shank in gait. The calf shank creates an integrated ankle and calf shank with the foot keel which has a variable radii response outcome similar to the disclosed parabola shaped calf shank while being readily covered by a cosmetic covering for the foot, ankle and lower leg.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot incorporate a foot keel and a calf shank connected to the foot keel to form an ankle joint area of the prosthetic foot. The foot keel has forefoot and hindfoot portions and a relatively long midfoot portion extending between and upwardly arched from the forefoot and midfoot portions. The calf shank includes a downward convexly curved lower end which is attached at a portion thereof to the keel midfoot portion by way of an adjustable fastener arrangement. The foot has biplanar motion capability and, in a preferred form, also has high low dynamic response characteristics. The adjustable fastener arrangement permits adjustment of the alignment of the calf shank and the foot keel with respect to one another in the longitudinal direction of the foot keel for tuning the performance of the prosthetic foot.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive prosthetic foot is provided incorporating a cushioned ankle including an ankle block formed of a resilient material or bladder having desired compliance and energy return characteristics. The ankle block is sandwiched between a foot element and an ankle element. One or more openings extends through the ankle block with a substantially transverse orientation relative to a forward walking motion. The size and shape of these openings, as well as the insertion of different types of stiffeners therein, provide desired performance characteristics to the ankle block. When the ankle block takes the form of one or more inflatable bladders, the pressure within these bladders is individually controlled by valves to provide desired performance characteristics to different portions of the prosthetic foot. A pump system can also be used to control and generate fluid pressure into these bladders.

Abstract: The present foot prosthesis includes various structural features that provide the foot with advantageous rollover properties. In certain embodiments, the foot guides rollover toward the medial side. For example, an asymmetrical upper element and a correspondingly shaped resilient ankle member support more of the wearer's weight on the lateral side as the foot rolls over. In another embodiment, stiffeners added to the resilient ankle member increase the stiffness on the lateral side relative to the medial side. In certain other embodiments, the foot provides progressively increasing support from mid stance through toe off. For example, a gap between the resilient ankle member and the lower element closes during the later portion of the wearer's gait. The closing gap increases a contact area between the resilient ankle member and the lower element, providing progressively increasing support.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot incorporate a foot keel and a calf shank connected to the foot keel to form an ankle joint area of the prosthetic foot. The foot keel has forefoot and hindfoot portions and a relatively long midfoot portion extending between and upwardly arched from the forefoot and midfoot portions. The calf shank includes a downward convexly curved lower end which is attached at a portion thereof to the keel midfoot portion by way of an adjustable fastener arrangement. The foot has biplanar motion capability and, in a preferred form, also has high low dynamic response characteristics. The adjustable fastener arrangement permits adjustment of the alignment of the calf shank and the foot keel with respect to one another in the longitudinal direction of the foot keel for tuning the performance of the prosthetic foot.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot (70) incorporates a foot keel (71) and a calf shank (72) connected to the foot keel to form an ankle joint area of the prosthetic foot. The foot keel has forefoot and hindfoot portions and an upwardly arched midfoot portion extending between the forefoot and midfoot portions. The calf shank includes a downward convexly curved lower end which is secured to the foot keel by way of a coupling element (73). The lower end of the calf shank extends upwardly, and initially anteriorly therefrom into a reversely curved portion (75) of the calf shank leading to an upstanding upper end thereof.

Abstract: A multi-axis prosthetic ankle for connection of a prosthetic lower leg to a prosthetic foot. In one embodiment, a prosthetic foot connection component is connected to a prosthetic lower leg connection component only by means of an elastomeric material, thereby allowing for multi-axis movement of the ankle without requiring direct contact between the two components. In other embodiments of the ankle, a prosthetic foot connection component may be mechanically connected to a prosthetic lower leg connection component. However, the design of the mechanical connection and the use of an elastomeric material casing allows for movement of the ankle without surface-to-surface sliding contact between the two components. Compression of the elastomeric material, as well as one or more mechanical stops may be used to control and limit movement of the ankle.

Abstract: A prosthesis is disclosed for improving the gait and comfort qualities of the amputee that participates in walking, running and jumping activities. A foot and an ankle of the prosthesis are monolithically formed as a resilient member including a strut which forms an ankle joint. A hole extends through the resilient member with the periphery of the hole forming an anterior side surface of the strut. The resilient member anterior to the hole includes a gap to permit motion about the ankle joint axis while providing a stop in dorsiflexion. The hole is elongated upwardly such that the strut is upstanding and anterior convexly curved.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive prosthetic foot is provided incorporating a cushioned ankle including an ankle block formed of a resilient material or bladder having desired compliance and energy return characteristics. The ankle block is sandwiched between a foot element and an ankle element. One or more openings extends through the ankle block with a substantially transverse orientation relative to a forward walking motion. The size and shape of these openings, as well as the insertion of different types of stiffeners therein, provide desired performance characteristics to the ankle block. When the ankle block takes the form of one or more inflatable bladders, the pressure within these bladders is individually controlled by valves to provide desired performance characteristics to different portions of the prosthetic foot. A pump system can also be used to control and generate fluid pressure into these bladders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for a leg prosthesis (10) provided with a foot (12), which is connected to the leg prosthesis via an articulated axle (11), whereby first means (13, 14, 16–18, 30–33, 38) are arranged to provide a limited rotation of the foot relative the leg prosthesis from an initial position, in which position the leg prosthesis and the foot have a fixed angle relative each other, and second means (16–26) are arranged to provide a step-less adjustment of the fixed angle between the leg prosthesis and the foot in the initial position. According to the invention the first means (13, 14, 16–18, 30–33, 38) comprise a resilient element (14), which first end thereof is connected to the foot (12) via an elongated element (13) and which second end is connected to the leg prosthesis so that the leg prosthesis can be rotated relative the foot against the effect of the spring force of the resilient element.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot including a ground-engaging base in the form of a generally planar and resiliently flexible foot bed which extends between two or more platforms to form one or more flexible hinges therebetween. The platforms include a toe platform, a mid-section platform and a heel platform. A support shank is disposed above the platforms so as to be generally positioned above an ankle area of the foot. A first spring extends from the toe platform to the support shank. A second spring extends from the support shank to the mid-section platform. A third spring extends from the support shank to the heel platform. Typically, the springs are curvilinear springs.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot is disclosed for improving the gait and comfort qualities of the amputee that participates in walking, running and jumping activities. An ankle pylon component attached to a foot keel of the foot allows hindfoot triplanar motion. An ankle joint and a subtalar joint provided in the hindfoot ankle pylon component permit closed kinetic chain motion of the foot. The ankle and subtalar joints are formed by respective struts of resilient material of a single piece of material of the ankle pylon component. The ankle pylon component can be used as a functional upgrade component to an existing low profile prosthetic foot, for example.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot device includes an elongated upper forefoot portion, an ankle portion, and a lower footplate. The forefoot portion can extend rearwardly through an upper attachment section, downwardly through an ankle section, forwardly through an arch section, and to a toe section. The ankle portion can attach to the forefoot portion, and can extend rearwardly through an upper attachment section, downwardly through an ankle section, forwardly under the ankle section of the forefoot portion, and rearwardly to a heel section, in a substantial s-shaped profile. The lower footplate can attach to the ankle or forefoot portion, and can extend through a heel section, an arch section, and to a toe section. The upper forefoot, the ankle portion, and the lower footplate each being flexible to store energy and resilient to return energy.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot device includes an oblique attachment. The foot device can include an elongated forefoot portion having an upper attachment section disposed at an oblique angle and attached to an oblique surface of an attachment member coupled to a limb of an amputee. The forefoot portion can extend through ankle, arch and toe sections. The ankle section can include a discrete straight section that is vertically oriented and located at a rearmost of the foot device. The attachment section can extend to a position at the first third of a length of the foot device measured from the rearmost of the foot device. The foot device can be an energy storing and releasing member during use.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive prosthetic foot is provided incorporating a cushioned ankle including an ankle block formed of a resilient material or bladder having desired compliance and energy return characteristics. The ankle block is sandwiched between a foot element and an ankle element. One or more openings extends through the ankle block with a substantially transverse orientation relative to a forward walking motion. The size and shape of these openings, as well as the insertion of different types of stiffeners therein, provide desired performance characteristics to the ankle block. When the ankle block takes the form of one or more inflatable bladders, the pressure within these bladders is individually controlled by valves to provide desired performance characteristics to different portions of the prosthetic foot. A pump system can also be used to control and generate fluid pressure into these bladders.

Abstract: A method of using an artificial limb includes mounting an artificial limb to a body part, applying a force to the artificial limb to deflect the artificial limb from a first position in a first direction, and removing the force, whereby the artificial limb moves to the first position. The artificial limb includes a mounting end configured to be mounted to a body part and one or more superelastic members. The superelastic members may be made of Nitinol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a torsion device of an exoprosthesis system, with a proximal part (1) which, counter to the action of a resilient torsion element, can be turned in positive and negative directions of rotation (5, 6) in relation to a distal part (2). To increase the functional range, it is proposed that the torsion element (4), in the positive direction of rotation (5), has a torsion characteristic different than that in the negative direction of rotation (6).

Abstract: A prosthesis or orthesis for a member of a human body, comprising limb-forming components which components are connected by pivoting couplings and at least one first element whose ends are coupled with components that are distinguishable from each other, wherein the first spring element spans at least two pivoting couplings.

Abstract: A prosthesis is disclosed for improving the gait and comfort qualities of the amputee that participates in walking, running and jumping activities. A foot and an ankle of the prosthesis are monolithically formed as a resilient member including a strut which forms an ankle joint. A hole extends through the resilient member with the periphery of the hole forming an anterior side surface of the strut. The resilient member anterior to the hole includes a gap to permit motion about the ankle joint axis while providing a stop in dorsiflexion. The hole is elongated upwardly such that the strut is upstanding and anterior convexly curved.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot device includes an ankle section with a discrete, straight section in a substantially vertical orientation with a curved section on both sides. An attachment member can be coupled to a limb of an amputee. An elongated forefoot portion can have an upper attachment section attached to the attachment member, and can extend downwardly through the ankle section positioned at an ankle location of a natural foot, and forwardly through an arch section, to a toe section positioned at a toe location of a natural foot. The first curved section can interconnect the attachment section and the straight section, while the second curved section can interconnect the straight section and the arch section.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot is disclosed for improving the gait and comfort qualities of the amputee that participates in walking, running and jumping activities. An ankle pylon component attached to a foot keel of the foot allows hindfoot triplanar motion. An ankle joint and a subtalar joint provided in the hindfoot ankle pylon component permit closed kinetic chain motion of the foot. The ankle and subtalar joints are formed by respective struts of resilient material of a single piece of material of the ankle pylon component. The ankle pylon component can be used as a functional upgrade component to an existing low profile prosthetic foot, for example.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot (147) has a longitudinally extending foot keel (149) and a resilient, monolithically formed calf shank (148) extending upwardly from the foot keel to form an ankle joint area of the prosthetic foot and a lower, prosthetic part of a leg above the ankle joint area for connection with a lower extremity prosthetic socket on a person's leg stump. At least the lower portion of the calf shank extending upwardly from the foot keel is anterior facing convexly curved. The shank and at least a portion of the foot keel are monolithically formed.

Abstract: A dynamic prosthetic foot provides medial and lateral stabilization. An ankle part diverges upwardly from a sole along a transverse parting line and includes a vertical part. A longitudinally extending slot divides the ankle part into a lateral and a medial ankle part and a pylon is connected to each of those parts. A plurality of parallel, equidistantly spaced, longitudinally extending slots are formed in the toe section and the heel section of the sole, respectively, to create a plurality of substantially independent toe and heel sections of narrow width. This enables the substantially independent toe and heel sections to respond independently to uneven terrain so that the user of the prosthetic foot is less likely to fall when ambulating over uneven terrain.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive prosthetic foot is provided incorporating a cushioned ankle including an ankle block formed of a resilient material or bladder having desired compliance and energy return characteristics. The ankle block is sandwiched between a foot element and an ankle element. One or more openings extends through the ankle block with a substantially transverse orientation relative to a forward walking motion. The size and shape of these openings, as well as the insertion of different types of stiffeners therein, provide desired performance characteristics to the ankle block. When the ankle block takes the form of one or more inflatable bladders, the pressure within these bladders is individually controlled by valves to provide desired performance characteristics to different portions of the prosthetic foot. A pump system can also be used to control and generate fluid pressure into these bladders.

Abstract: A prosthetic ankle joint consists of a base which includes an upper base portion and a lower base portion. The lower base portion is formed with a substantially hollow receiving cavity extending inwardly from an end thereof remote from the upper base portion. A base member is movably positioned within the receiving cavity and is connected to a prosthetic foot. The base member is movable in side-to-side direction independently of the base, so as to enable the prosthetic foot to closely follow a walking surface. The motion of the base member is controlled by resilient biasing members positioned between the inner cavity and the base member.

Abstract: A device prosthetic foot device with variable stiffness response includes a variable energy transfer medium disposed between first and second foot members to transfer at least some energy from the second member to the first member during use. The energy transfer medium includes a variable viscosity fluid such that the variable viscosity fluid, and thus the energy transfer medium, variably transfers energy between the first and second members to vary stiffness of the prosthetic foot device. The variable viscosity fluid can include a shear stiffening material that increases in viscosity as a load or strain, or rate of loading or rate of strain, applied, or a magneto or electro rheologic fluid responsive to a magnetic or electric field.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot (70) incorporates a foot keel (71) and a calf shank (72) connected to the foot keel to form an ankle joint area of the prosthetic foot. The foot keel has forefoot and hindfoot portions and an upwardly arched midfoot portion extending between the forefoot and midfoot portions. The calf shank includes a downward convexly curved lower end which is secured to the foot keel by way of coupling element (73). The lower end of the calf shank extends upwardly, and initially anteriorly therefore into reversely curved portion (75) of the calf shank leading to an upstanding upper end thereof.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot is disclosed for improving the gait and comfort qualities of the amputee that participates in walking, running and jumping activities. An ankle pylon component attached to a foot keel of the foot allows hindfoot triplanar motion. An ankle joint and a subtalar joint provided in the hindfoot ankle pylon component permit closed kinetic chain motion of the foot. The ankle and subtalar joints are formed by respective struts of resilient material of a single piece of material of the ankle pylon component. The ankle pylon component can be used as a functional upgrade component to an existing low profile prosthetic foot, for example.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot comprises an elongated, substantially two-dimensional, resilient toe member, an elongated, substantially two-dimensional heel member, and a substantially rigid carrier member. One end of each of the toe and heel members is independently connected to the carrier member. The toe and heel spring members can be selected independently so as to provide the wearer with personalized characteristics and responses at heel-strike, foot-flat, and toe-off.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot device includes an ankle section with a discrete, straight section in a substantially vertical orientation with a curved section on both sides. An attachment member can be coupled to a limb of an amputee. An elongated forefoot portion can have an upper attachment section attached to the attachment member, and can extend downwardly through the ankle section positioned at an ankle location of a natural foot, and forwardly through an arch section, to a toe section positioned at a toe location of a natural foot. The first curved section can interconnect the attachment section and the straight section, while the second curved section can interconnect the straight section and the arch section.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot device includes an oblique attachment. The foot device can include an elongated forefoot portion having an upper attachment section disposed at an oblique angle and attached to an oblique surface of an attachment member coupled to a limb of an amputee. The forefoot portion can extend through ankle, arch and toe sections. The ankle section can include a discrete straight section that is vertically oriented and located at a rearmost of the foot device. The attachment section can extend to a position at the first third of a length of the foot device measured from the rearmost of the foot device. The foot device can be an energy storing and releasing member during use.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot device includes an elongated upper forefoot portion, an ankle portion, and a lower footplate. The forefoot portion can extend rearwardly through an upper attachment section, downwardly through an ankle section, forwardly through an arch section, and to a toe section. The ankle portion can attach to the forefoot portion, and can extend rearwardly through an upper attachment section, downwardly through an ankle section, forwardly under the ankle section of the forefoot portion, and rearwardly to a heel section, in a substantial s-shaped profile. The lower footplate can attach to the ankle or forefoot portion, and can extend through a heel section, an arch section, and to a toe section. The upper forefoot, the ankle portion, and the lower footplate each being flexible to store energy and resilient to return energy.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides methods and apparatus facilitating an adjustable-stiffness prosthesis or orthosis (including approximations to arbitrarily definable non-linear spring functions). Spring rates may be varied under no-load conditions during a walking gate cycle to minimize power consumption. In another aspect, the invention provides methods and apparatus for outputting positive power from a prosthesis or orthosis, facilitating high-performance artificial limbs. In one embodiment of the invention, the positive power is transferred from a functioning muscle to the prosthesis or orthosis, which mimics or assists a non-functioning or impaired muscle. In another embodiment of the invention, the positive power comes from an on-board power source in the prosthesis or orthosis.

Abstract: A dynamic prosthetic foot having multiple load points includes a sole only. A longitudinally-extending slot divides the heel end of the sole into a lateral heel member and a medial heel member. A heel end of the lateral heel member is formed by a return bend that terminates in an upwardly turned straight pylon support that is normal to the sole. The medial pylon support has the same construction but has less thickness and strength and therefore more flexibility than the lateral pylon support. In a second embodiment, an elongate pylon supplants each pylon support. The split heel structure provides a prosthetic foot having enhanced heel elasticity.

Abstract: A dynamic prosthetic foot having multiple load points and an anterior/posterior pair of upper sections includes a sole and an upper member. A heel end of the upper member has a gradual ninety degree bend formed in so that it is normal to the sole. An elongate longitudinally-extending slot divides the heel end of the upper member into a lateral, anterior pylon support and a medial, posterior pylon support and further divides the upper member into a lateral upper section and a medial upper section. The lateral, anterior pylon support is thicker than the medial, posterior pylon support and the lateral upper member section is thicker than the medial upper section so that forces applied to the lateral, anterior and medial, posterior pylons are transferred to a greater extent to the medial, posterior pylon. In a second embodiment, elongate pylons supplant the pylon supports.

Abstract: A device in a leg prosthesis which via a pivot axle is connected to the leg prosthesis, wherein first means are arranged to permit a limited rotation of the foot with respect to the leg prosthesis from an initial position, in which the leg prosthesis and the foot have a certain angle with respect to each other and second means are arranged to permit a stepless adjustment of the angle beetween the prosthesis and the foot in the initial position.

Abstract: A multi-axis prosthetic ankle includes a bottom component connected to a prosthetic foot, a lower leg connection component connected to a prosthetic lower leg, an elastomeric material securely connecting the bottom component with the lower leg connection component, and a mechanical device suspended in the elastomeric material. The mechanical device is formed of a first bracket connected to the bottom component and a second bracket connected to the lower leg connection component. The first and second brackets interlockingly float in the elastomeric material, and are not in direct contact with one another, thereby permitting relative movement of the bottom component and the lower leg connection component by deformation of the elastomeric material. At least one mechanical stop is positioned to prevent the relative angular movement of the ankle from deforming the elastomeric material beyond the elastic limit thereof.

Abstract: A dynamic prosthetic foot has a split upper ankle and exhibits differentiated heel elasticity. The ankle diverges upwardly from a sole along a transverse parting line and includes a horizontal and a vertical part. The horizontal part is supported by a horizontal leading end of a central support that forms one of four parts that collectively form the heel of the prosthetic foot. A downwardly turned return bend is formed in the trailing end of the central support and a central extension extends in trailing relation to a free end of the central support. A lateral heel extension and a medial heel extension are formed integrally with the sole and flank the central extension. Each of the four heel parts absorb impacts generated during ambulation and therefore provide differentiated heel elasticity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a resilient foot insert for an artificial foot. According to the invention, this foot insert consists of at least two springs (1, 2) which are connected to one another and which together-in side view, in the unloaded state, enclose an approximately triangular spring deflection space (3), the upper, approximately roof-shaped spring (1) having, in the roof top area, an adapter attachment (4) and, starting from the latter, a heel branch (hereinafter “heel spring 6”) which extends downward in a concave curve into the heel area (5), and a forefoot branch (hereinafter “forefoot spring 8”) which extends downward in a concave curve into the forefoot area (7), the free branch ends (6a, 8a) being connected to a separate base spring (2) which delimits the bottom of the spring deflection space (3).

Abstract: A variable resistance cell and method provides a variable resistance response to a load factor, such as a load, a load rate, a strain, a strain rate, a pressure, or a deflection. A variable viscosity fluid is displacable between first and second chambers of an enclosure though an orifice in response to the load factor. The variable viscosity fluid has a viscosity that is variable corresponding to the load factor to vary an ability of the variable viscosity fluid to flow through the orifice. The variable viscosity fluid can be a shear stiffening material that increases in viscosity with an increase in a load factor applied to the shear stiffening material, a magneto rheologic fluid responsive to a magnetic field, or an electro rheologic fluid responsive to an electric field. The enclosure can be compressible between first and second positions.